THE BRITISH PARLIAMENI

Hokitika Guardian, 16 December 1922, Page 3

THE BRITISH PARLIAMENI

IUBTKALIAN ANI) N. 7.. CABLE ASSOCIATION BRITISH POLICY. OPPOSITION VIEWS. LONDON. Dec. Li. Lord Birkenhead, in the House of Lords, asked whether, before definite commitments relating to the reparations were made to the Paris Conference, an opportunity would be given to Parliament: to discuss the Government policy. It would he very difficult- to recommend to the people any proposal that Britain should remit the debits of Franco and Italy, while Britain was forced to pay her American debts. He. strongly urged that the Government, in the' event of Germany defaulting, should not participate .in. the occupation of the Ruhr and similar measures. He cordially approved of Mr Bonar Law’s policy. ... Lord Grey said if the Paris Conference failed, Europe would take a further step towards collapse, while mu good relations with France would be greatly imperilled. H we remitted the Allied debts, we would be the gainers Subject to steps being taken to secure the security of Europe—including the strengthening of the League of Nations, the inclusion of Germany there in the reduction of armaments under the Washington Treaty—Britain could not refuse to consider the question of the inter-AUied debts until France was prepared to ratify the Washington Treaty; hut the reparations, the interAllied debts, and disarmament must he considered as n whole. He did not beliove France’s security would be attained by the occupation of the Ruhr.

BRITISH CABINET. (Received this day at 9.H0 a.m.) ' LONDON, December 15. Hon. Bonar Law addressing the Unionist Association paid a tribute to Lord Curzon’s work at Lausanne. He had shown a readiness to take great responsibilities solely because he knew the Government was behind him. As for the Premier’s Conference, whatever the result, there had been nothing hut goodwill throughout, and the chance of solving the problem, however difficult was enormously enhanced, if all engaged wished to solve it. In regard to home affairs, he was sanguine that the worst of the trade depression "as over. The Unemployment Committee realised there was not the slightest use in putting men on useless relief work, but Government would not hesitate to advance inanev for useful uork.

KING’S SPEECH. (Received this dav nt fi.3o a.ui.'i LONDON. Dec. 15 The King's prorogation speech stated the discussion on problems affecting peace in the Near East is -proceeding at Lausanne. I earnestly trust a satisfactory solution will shortly be reached. The execution of the Treaty of Peace with Germany has again been the subject of conversat ions hot ween British and Allied Alinisters. The conversations will he resumed in Paris shortly. The task of restoring conditions favourable fo the economic stability of Europe continues to give me deep concern. The difficulties are great and complex, and can only he overcome bv patient, sincere co-operation between the nations primarily affected. I have given assent to measures for the final enactment ol the Constitution of the Irish Free Stale which I earnestly pray may mark the inauguration of a period of prosperity nnd concord, both for Ireland and Britain.